Show ContentsNeam History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Neam family

The surname Neam was first found in Lincolnshire where one of the first records of the name was Richard le Naim who was listed in the Pipe Rolls of that shire (1170-1178.) A few years later, John Nepos, le Neim was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for Surrey in 1214. In Worcestershire, John le Neim (c. 1280) and John le Naym (1327) were listed in the Subsidy Rolls. Year later, John Naym was listed in the Inquisitions and Assessments relating to Feudal Aids in 1431. 1 The name was also traditionally known as a nickname having derived from the Old English word "neme" which meant "uncle." 2

Early History of the Neam family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Neam research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1175, 1430, 1510, 1600, 1698 and 1864 are included under the topic Early Neam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Neam Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Neam include Neame, Neeme, Neam, Neem, Neme, Name and others.

Early Notables of the Neam family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • Charles Neame of Harefield Court and John Neame of Selling Court, Kent among the most valuable hop growers in East Kent...
  • The are presumed to be the namesakes of Shepherd Neame, the English independent regional brewery founded in 1698 in Faversham...

Migration of the Neam family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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